Richard "Sonny" Sonnemaker

Richard Sonnemaker, 84, a proud veteran of the U.S. Air Force, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2025.

Sonny, as he was known to most, was born on March 30, 1941, to Harvey and Laverne (Becker) Sonnemaker of Trivoli, Illinois and attended Farmington High School before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force on November 17, 1959. Sonny married Bonnie Colleen (Steinhauer) Sonnemaker on September 3, 1961, at United Methodist Church in Easton, Illinois.

After serving in active duty at Travis AFB in Fairfield, California, Sonny returned home and graduated from Park's College in St. Louis, MO at the Aviation Mechanical School - A&P Certification Training. Immediately upon graduation, Sonny joined the Air National Guard in Springfield, Illinois, from which, he retired and attained a rank of Senior Master Sergeant.

After retiring, Sonny was active at Village Bible Church and Community in Bella Vista, AR. He spent a great deal of time with multiple ministries including, Builders for Christ, Meals on Wheels, Samaritan's Purse and Love in Action, as well as, working part-time at the Scottsdale Golf Course in Bella Vista, AR. Since 2024, Sonny resided at Serenity Assisted Living & Memory Care in East Peoria, IL, followed by, OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home in Peoria, Illinois before his death.

Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Bonnie, his parents and his sister Ellora Edwards. He is survived by his daughters, Debra Pruden and Jodi Snedigar (Bob) and sons, Richard Sonnemaker (Sharon) and Brian Sonnemaker (Angie), as well as ten grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren and one step great grandchild, as well as his brother, Earl Sonnemaker and sister, Linda Telford.

His family has organized a memorial service immediately followed by his burial to honor Sonny's life and military service, which will be held in the Committal Shelter at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield, IL on August 11, 2025 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be given to the Alzheimers Association either by mail or online at the address listed below.  Mason-White Funeral Home in Washington has been entrusted with arrangements.

Alzheimer's Association
614 West Glen Avenue, Peoria IL 61614
Web: http://www.alz.org